Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn with Tampa City Councilwoman Yvonne “Yolie” Capin, who introduced the ordinance to Tampa City Council members 6 weeks ago, watched the signing of this historic Tampa Domestic Partnership  Registry Ordinance legislation into Tampa law. Mayor Buckhorn, in his chambers, signed with several pens. After the signing the first pen was given to Carrie West, President of the GaYBOR District Coalition. Before the signing Carrie joked with the staff and tried to change the pen to a bright pink GaYBOR District pen. ” This goes right to heart of who we are as a community and how we treat people.” Mayor Buckhorn commented. “For me this is a great chance to level the playing field for a lot of folks who are in relationships that may not look like my marriage, but should be treated accordingly.” added Mayor Buckhorn  to the crowded room packed with media representatives. He also added that this is a great discussion point when talking to the companies that want to relocate to Tampa.

Carrie West commented, “ This isn’t a gay or straight issue. It is an equality and fairness community ordinance benefiting all of Tampa’s residents. Now, lets have the Hillsborough County Commissioners take note!”

Also present for the signing were Rich Kerin, treasurer of GaYBOR, Mark Bias co- secretary of GaYBOR and 3 representatives from Equality Florida, Ed Lally, Phil Dinkins & Brian Winfield. After the signing the Mayor & Tampa City Council members were off for a meeting with President Obama at the Port of Tampa.  Tampa is now one of many other cities including most recently Orlando, Gainesville, Ft Lauderdale, Miami and Key West that have the Domestic Partnership law on their books!

That same day at 4PM Councilwoman Yvonne “Yolie” Capin was the guest speaker at the GaYBOR District Coalition monthly meeting.

A lot of new business members, members and local friends came to Bradley’s on 7th for the monthly GaYBOR District Coalition meeting. The guest speaker was Tampa City Councilwoman Yvonne “Yolie” Capin who had a very busy day by being with Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn earlier to sign into law the Tampa Domestic Partner Registry ordinance, had lunch and a meeting with President Barack Obama at the Port of Tampa and then onto the GaYBOR meeting all in the 6 hour window!

‘I felt that it was a right thing to do.” Yolie said. ” I wasn’t approached by any organization or individuals about this Domestic Partner Registry issue. I just said to myself that this would be a great legacy for my grandson who was born February 29th!” Thank You Tampa City Councilwoman Yvonne “Yolie” Capin for living by your conscience!

Upcoming agenda and events in historic Ybor City included: new GaYBOR maps 10,000 given out in 6 weeks, GaYBOR Days events will be held during Memorial Day Weekend this year, Orlando Gay Days June  1-4th and St. Pete Pride coming June 30th. The group Welcomed 12 new businesses to GDC.

We are sure that President Obama did not miss the HUGE Flag flying over Ybor City during his recent visit to the Port of Tampa. The State of Florida re-election campaign headquarters will again be located in Ybor City.  Humm, So the Obama flag will be flying high over the Republican Safe Zone during the convention????  This is going to be great!

It seems that there is a real feud going on about who made the first “cubano” or “Cuban Sandwich?” Miami claims that the honor goes to them while of course Ybor City brags that no!  We made it first and even  ‘named it!” In fact it was so original the name could have been “the Cigar Workers Sandwich.” It was said that the diversity of the community, both Cuban immigrants and newly settled Italians that came to be cigar rolling workers created this great ‘mixto’ sandwich’ masterpiece.

Of course it has to be on fresh crisp Cuban bread, then a layer of glazed ham, next layer mojo cooked roast pork, a layer of Genoa salami with Swiss cheese, pickles and a smear  spread  of yellow mustard. Mayo was omitted and would have spoiled back then! Put in a press and that is an “Original Turn of the Century Ybor City Cuban Sandwich”! Added later years were tomatoes and lettuce.

Miami has the base right. Cuban bread, roast pork, ham, a question on which cheese to use, pickles and yes yellow mustard!  What luck the Latino Times is having a competition to see which “cubano” is better in the upcoming Cuban Sandwich Festival, May 26th. in Tampa.

In any event we know that artist and creator of the Cuban Sandwich Show, David Audett, will artfully mastermind the famous Cuban Sandwich Show  and will be there!

With 11 LGBT Bars & Nights in GaYBOR/Ybor city it is easy to see why the for rent sign in the former Blue Dog Bistro was only up a couple of days!  Rumors are that a new LGBT entertainment complex will be opening there soon.  The GaYBOR Sunday/ Fun Days have been packing them in.Al  the members are reporting up sales which translates into more fun your everybody!  What a birthday party for the emcee host at Hamburger Mary’s, Miss Esmee Russell. Even the queen of Orlando, Miss Darcel Stevens even meandered over from the Parliament House to host Sundays Gospel Brunch. The bull ride at Barbarella’s really brought out the rhinestone cowboys!!! Just say n

The most unusual Miss Trailer Trash Drag Pageant was held at Gaspar’s Grotto with a fair number of well, … very specially adorned eye catching characters! The charity event proceeds went to Metro Wellness & Community Center. Contestants had people rolling or slipping off their seats. Many couldn’t enter because they didn’t qualify for not having any teeth. There was a 1 tooth minimum we heard to enter! The emcee was Miss Melanie Minyon (when she wasn’t barking at passerby’s from the middle of the street) who introduced the colorful contestants and was helped by the Tampa Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. It was a blast and congratulations for having a fun afternoon event. The Airstream trailer sponsored by Sailor Jerry Rum offered goodies and games.

Two of the Best GaYBOR supporters you will find anywhere. Both are now working together at Hamburger Mary’s in GaYBOR.

Always wearing a big smile and surrounded by friends. You will find Jack at all the GaYBOR Hot Spots.  When not working as an advertising executive, in his own company. Jack enjoys cooking, performing music, and friends in his Ybor City penthouse.